Overactive let-down

Overactive let-down is the forceful ejection of milk from the breast during breastfeeding. This can cause the baby to swallow air and consume too much milk too quickly. The watery foremilk of the let-down can also lead to an imbalance of the amount of lactose (milk sugar) reaching the baby's gut, if not enough hindmilk is consumed to compensate. Babies that drink too much foremilk can have green watery stools, and other gut problems. Other babies become upset at the spray of milk and refuse the breast, which can lead to a prolonged nursing strike.

References

• Andrusiak, Frances and Larose-Kuzenko, Michelle. The Effects of an Overactive Let-Down Reflex. Lactation Consultant Series, 1987.
• Benson, K.D. "Clinical Problem Solving," CERP session LLL of Illinois Area Conference. September 4, 1993, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
• Mohrbacher, Nancy and Stock, Julie. THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK. La Leche League International, 1991.